Researchers in Cyprus have discovered four new combined strains of HIV-1. The University of Cyprus announced that in a groundbreaking research publication titled "Comprehensive Genetic Characterization of Four Novel HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Forms (CRF129_56G, CRF130_A1B, CRF131_A1B, and CRF138_cpx): Insights from Molecular Epidemiology in Cyprus," published on December 21, 2023, in the biomedical journal Viruses, doctoral student Çiçek Topcu, from the Department of Biological Sciences, collaborated with a research team to identify these new recombinant strains of HIV-1.

This significant discovery emerged from Çiçek Topcu's doctoral thesis at the Biotechnology and Molecular Virology Laboratory of the University of Cyprus, supervised by the Head of the research laboratory, Academic Professor Leontios Kostrikis.

The research marks an important milestone in the study of HIV-1. It provides comprehensive genetic characterization of four new recombinant strains of the virus and detailed information about the genetic diversity and evolution of the infection in Cyprus.

The findings suggest that two of the four new combined strains (CRFs) were introduced to Cyprus from other countries, highlighting the global nature of the virus's transmission, while the other two originated locally.

This study illuminates the complex dynamics of the virus's evolution, underscoring the role of recombination in the emergence of these new HIV-1 strains.

As these genetic complexities are explored, it appears that the dynamic nature of viruses contributes to the creation of new recombinant strains, presenting challenges and opportunities in the ongoing efforts of researchers at the University of Cyprus to understand and combat infectious diseases.